But at the old wharf there was a skiff, which was used when the Goldwing was to be brought in for a party. It was not large enough to accommodate more than three with safety, and Tom divided his forces for the trip. It was not till after ten that he did this, and the lights were all put out in the dormitory. Even the mansion was shrouded in darkness; for all the people in it were early risers, and had retired before this time. It was clear that the absent ones had not been missed at the dormitory.
Tom sent Nim back for the three who had been left on shore; for he would not trust either Kidd or Pell, lest they should back out and give the alarm. He could control them while they were in his presence, but he was afraid of them if they were out of sight. The messenger could bring only two of them, and he went a second time for the last one, who happened to be Bent Fillwing. To the surprise of this worthy, he found that the leader had taken possession of the Lily, instead of the Goldwing, which he supposed would be the one selected. He objected with all his might to the selection.
"This is the stupidest thing you ever did in your life, Tom Topover!" he exclaimed, when he met the commander of the expedition on the forward deck of the schooner.
"What is?" asked Tom coolly.
"To take the Lily when there are only six of us," repeated Bent, rounding up fully the expression of his wonder at the folly of the leader. "What are you going to do in this big boat?"
"The fun of sailing her is half what the trip is for," added Tom. "If you don't want to go in the Lily, there is the skiff, and you know the way to the shore. I don't want you, if you won't take things as they come and quit grumbling. I am going to do all the grumbling myself."
"You always do it all, and it is not fair to give the other fellows no chance at all," replied Bent, struggling to be as facetious as the chief. "It took thirty-two of us to handle her last Saturday; and six of us have no show, and in the night too. How are you going to get through the outlet with her? You are no pilot, and Dory Dornwood is fast asleep by this time."
"I can take her through as well as Dory. I don't want any more growling. If you are not satisfied, Bent, go ashore, wrap yourselves up in your wool and go to sleep. I am the captain of this ship."
"Perhaps you are!"
"I know I am. Did you hear any fellow growling to Matt Randolph last Saturday?"